THIS WORLD IS A DREAM

The Gurbani stresses that this physical world, and all the experiences associated with it, is only a dream (“ਸੁਪਨਾ”). In other words, as repeatedly indicated in the Gurbani, it is important to realize that one’s life on earth is tantamount to a dream.

Mirage seen in the desert is nothing but rising hot air, which gives the seer an illusion of water. When we see mirage as a river of water, we do not perceive the rising hot air. However, the moment we perceive the mirage to be the rising hot air, we do not see water in the mirage anymore! In other words, it is only when the division between the seer and seen is given up, we see the two as of one substance; leading to the Realization that there is only One Truth, all else is illusion – Mithiya!

While in the dreaming state, the dream appears to be true to the dreamer. However, on waking he realizes that it was just a passing dream! On account of conditioned consciousness (false ego-sense or Haumai), the mirage-like phenomenal world of names and forms appears in the living entity. Each person experiences within himself whatever his desires and related fears (Vaasnaas, intoxication with Maya, etc.) has given rise to. In reality, this world appearance is nothing but a long dream, which appears to be permanent (or real) to the conditioned consciousness (Haumai or ego).

In nutshell, the dream is a deceiver. For example, a beggar may become a king in the dream. But upon waking up, he still remains a beggar.

In other words, the dream creates a substitute! That is, a dream can never be fulfilling.

Similarly, this life or this world cannot be fulfilling. For only the Truth or Reality can be fulfilling. Nothing is enough in this life or in this world to fulfill one’s selfish desires or passions.

Accordingly, this world is said to be a dream world, and this life is said to be a dream life. The Gurbani wants to awaken us from this dream state. Why? The ephemeral nature of our existence should make us ponder about what is really worthwhile to pursue in this dream world. Can all our possessions, wealth, name, fame, etc, be of any consequence after we die? Outside this world all these cannot be of any use to us. While asleep, suppose a king were to dream of himself as a beggar in rags, would his royal status (or affluence) in life help him get a better dress in his dream? Can the water of real life quench the thirst experienced in one’s dream?

Therefore, the True Giaanee (the Wise One, the Gurmukh, the Enlightened, the God-Realized, etc.) looks upon the world as a mere dream, temporary, unreal or Mithiya. He has no doubts about this life or this world.

For me, I feel there is nothing real (even as I write this). I believe this life is a test with everyone put in place to be my teacher. I feel very lonely with my feelings because they are hard to explain and if no one is real then that means I’m only speaking to myself; therefore I am writing this not to Grace but to myself.
To me this world seems to be getting more complicated as each year passes and it’s becoming more difficult to handle. I really don’t know why I was put in this time and place and what is expected from me. I feel I need an instruction manual – some would say that’s what a Bible, Koran or Torah is, but I have no faith in those. I’m tired

I would like to know if anyone can advise if there is a way to actually recognize this world IS a dream, and not truth. to actually feel and know without any doubt that this world is just make believe…???? where is the secret door that will open into Divine Reality ???? there must be a door…..is that door my true spiritual Self ???